Host a Downton Abbey-Inspired Bridal Shower
Can't get enough of the Crawleys? Go back in time by hosting a Downton Abbey tea party to celebrate the bride-to-be.
By: Kristen O'Gorman Klein
Party Favors
Each cookie was packaged inside a customized cellophane bag from ForYourParty.com that fit the theme.
Party Favors
Two personalized teas — Branson's Brew (Irish Breakfast Tea) and Mrs. Hughes' Special Blend (English Breakfast Tea) — were created by ForYourParty.com.
Party Favors
Topping off the favor: A silver crown (a nod to the Crawleys' nobility) and a customized favor tag.
Favor tag, beau-coup.com; crown charm, weddingstar.com
The Details
Each guest was given the title of "Lady" for the tea party.
Place cards, Paper Source; calligraphy, Calligraphy by Michele; place card holders, Advantage Bridal.
The Details
After narrowing down the tea selections from Teaberry's extensive menu, each option was renamed after a character in the show, based on their personalities.
Luncheon Teas
Dowager Countess of Grantham's Silver Jubilee: Flavored white tea with chamomile, almond, vanilla, and cardamom
Lord Grantham's Earl Grey with Jasmine: Unexpected and delightful blended black tea
Lady Cora's Crown Jewels: Enchanting white tea with rose, lemon, and vanilla
Lady Mary's Her Royal Highness: Sweet and full-bodied honeybush herbal tea with hazelnuts
Lady Edith's English Breakfast: Brisk blended black tea, fit for morning or afternoon
Lady Sybil's Cinnamon Delight: Flavored black tea made perfect with cloves and orange zest
Matthew Crawley's Green Nutcracker: Intriguing green tea with buttery toasted walnuts and almondsDessert Teas
Mr. Carson's Royal Marzipan: Dessert in a cup, as rich as the candy itself
O'Brien's Lady Godiva: Flavored black tea with chocolate and raspberries
Mrs. Patmore's Vanilla Cookie: Irresistibly paired with flavored black tea
Daisy's Peachberry: Summertime peaches and strawberries blended black teaThe Details
Two-sided menu cards listed the food courses on the front with the tea options on the back. As shown on Downton Abbey, each place setting had its own menu card displayed upright in a silver stand.
Menu card, Wedding Paper Divas; menu holder, American Metalcraft
The Details
Custom napkins from ForYourParty.com featured quotes from the show:
"Now stop talking and kiss me before I get cross." —Lady Mary Crawley
"I'd rather have the right man than the right wedding." —Anna Bates
"All this unbridled joy has given me quite an appetite." —Dowager Countess of GranthamOn the Menu
Guests were floored by this amazing cake by Palermo's Bakery, which featured a hand-painted (edible!) teapot and tea cups on top of a fondant-draped tier. Sugar flowers — which the bride saved and reused on her wedding cake — cascaded from top to bottom.
Setting the Scene
The first step is finding the right location. Since hosting it at Highclere Castle is probably beyond your budget, search for a historic building near the bride's hometown instead. For this bride's shower, Teaberry's Tea Room — a Victorian tea house located in the quaint town of Flemington, New Jersey — provided the perfect backdrop.
The Details
Each brew was marked with a DIY tea tag.
Plum cover stock, Paper Source; paper punch, Paper Source; ribbon, Michaels.
Décor
Two shorter three-arm candelabras from wayfair.com surrounded the larger candelabra in the center.
Gifts
Guests got in the spirit by giving the bride some Downton-inspired gifts, like this "What is a weekend?" tote from Wonder Shirts.
Setting the Scene
Re-create the infamous Downton dining table for your guests! Drawing inspiration from the show's elaborate dinners, the table was dressed with three candelabras — one tall five-arm and two short three-arm versions — and flowers in vintage vessels. Custom menus and place cards stood at each seat.
If your room has a fireplace, be sure to follow the etiquette of the era and place the most important person at the table (in this case, the bride) in the middle of the table with her back to the fireplace. This was known as the "hot seat" in the days before central heating. The next most important person (her mother or maid/matron of honor) should sit to her right. Fill out the rest of the table with bridesmaids and/or family members, with other guests sitting at smaller tables surrounding the long one if all guests can't fit at one table.
In the background, play the Downton Abbey soundtrack.
Party Favors
The bride's aunt baked and decorated these gorgeous iced teapot and tea cup cookies that matched the bride's wedding color palette.
Cookies, Baked with Love by Donna (732-225-5276); cookie cutters, Candyland Crafts
Décor
One of the side tables featured vintage silver candelabras from Teaberry's owner's personal collection.
Party Favors
To go along with the custom teas, each guest also received one of these tea bag holders from Distinctive Decor.
